Annette and Rhoda are with more sticky situations than ever.
Annette has finally shed some of the pounds that she'd been
carrying around for years. She's tossed out the old
maternity-sized clothes and traded them for a more updated
look. Annette is now turning other men's' heads, but her
husband Pee Wee doesn't seem to notice. When a sexy young
caterer comes to town and shows Annette some well deserved
attention, she becomes smitten with him. But is she in over
her head? Rhoda is still living a double life of a married
woman and her lover on the side. But Rhoda's life gets
interrupted when her evil daughter Jade comes back into the
picture with some shocking news of her own.
Mary Monroe once again brings back the favorite characters of
Annette and Rhoda with even more drama than ever in God
Ain't Blind. From the very first page, you know that
Annette is headed for nothing but disaster and Rhoda is her
right-hand woman. Readers will see how out of character
Annette and Pee Wee act in this book. Monroe did a good job of
showing how there are real consequences to one's actions no
matter how sneaky you think you're being. Of course Jade is
back and up to her old tricks. This story is full of non-stop
drama, betrayal, and humor that readers come to expect from
this series. God Ain't Blind is a wonderful installment
to the God Don't Like Ugly series.
Reviewed by
Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com
5 out of 5 books
Gideon almost didn't
make it out of Antigua alive and now he can't trust anyone. He
thinks things will return to normal until Arizona shows up
needing his help. Gideon reluctantly takes a job in Argentina
chasing down an important briefcase. But the other part of
this puzzle is with a group of assassins known as the Four
Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and they will kill anyone to
protect it. Gideon is on a race against time as he faces his
most dangerous enemies yet. Gideon is also struggling to find
out the true answers of his past that are hidden in that Fed
Ex box back in Georgia.
Eric Jerome Dickey has outdone himself with Resurrecting
Midnight. Dickey grabs the reader's attention immediately
with non-stop action. Some of the events that happen in this
book happen so fast that you'll wonder if certain things are
really taking place or if it's Gideon's imagination. From
Miami to Argentina, you will feel like you are right there
with Gideon and the other characters. It's like taking a trip
to South America without ever leaving your home. The character
development is outstanding, especially with the inclusion of
the Four Horseman. There are scenes in this story that readers
need to pay close attention to or you will truly miss it. This
novel would not be complete with a little opening left at the
end for another installment. Resurrecting Midnight is
action-packed novel that reads like a box office thriller.
Reviewed by
Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com
Eric Jerome Dickey Resurrecting Midnight
3.5 out of 5 books
ReShonda Tate
Billingsley The Devil Is A Lie
Nina Lawson's life has
changed dramatically within one year. She got a divorce and
got engaged to her personal trainer, but one thing she was not
counting on was winning the lottery. She had played the
lottery occasionally, but when she found five dollars, she
thought maybe it was her lucky day, and it truly was. She won
$16 million dollars. Her and fiancé Rick Henderson could
finally have the life they deserved. She would pay off her
debt, help Rick get his gym off to a good start, and take a
much needed "all expense paid" vacation to the Bahamas.
Once word got out that Nina had won the lottery, family,
friends, and even some enemies came out of the wood work with
their hands out. What she was not expecting is to see her
"ex-husband" Todd Lawson waiting in the lottery office with
Pam, the woman he cheated with and the reason they got
divorced. Well, come to find out she's still married to Todd
due to her divorce papers were never filed properly. Todd is
demanding half of her winnings, and there's nothing she can do
about it since they're technically still married. Even though
Nina thought her luck had changed for the better, all it did
was bring more drama than she could ever afford.
I have always loved reading books by ReShonda Tate
Billingsley, but The Devil Is A Lie
was not one of her best. The story was just a little too
predictable for my taste. You kind of figure out halfway
through the book what is going to happen. It dragged a little
in certain parts of the book, but the story does try to pick
up towards the end of the book. Even though the book was very
predictable, I still continued reading
The Devil Is A Lie because Billingsley is such a
great author. That is why I'm still looking forward to her
next book. I just hope it's better than this one.
Reviewed by
Jackie for Urban-Reviews.com
4 out of 5 books
`
Venus and Jake are
trying to settle down into their new life in Atlanta. Venus
has even opened her flower boutique. But she finds out that
life isn't always a bed of roses. When Aric is accused of
battery, Venus and Jake try to suspend his visitation rights.
Things go from bad to worse when Jake's best friend Legend
comes to town with more trouble than ever. Jake faces real
danger when Venus turns up missing. Can Jake find Venus before
it's too late?
Nappily In Bloom is a good installment of the
Nappily series by Trisha R. Thomas. Thomas effortlessly brings
back these familiar characters with new situations. Just when
you think Venus is finally going to have peace in her life,
there's something that throws a monkey wrench in it. Readers
will find that Trevelle is even more scandalous than ever and
that she and Delma are constantly at each other's throat. The
only thing missing from this book is a little more background
on Venus' mystery employee Vince. Hopefully he'll show up in
another book. Nappily In Bloom is another clear winner
from Trisha R. Thomas.
Reviewed by
Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com
Trisha R. Thomas Nappily In Bloom
4.5 out of 5 books
Bettye Griffin Save The Best For Last
Genevieve Shane has all the material things money can buy.
On top of that, she is intelligent as well as beautiful. She
has everything except her U.S. citizenship. Time is running
out and she has to do something, fast. If the INS catch up
with her and deport her back to her country, she will be
killed. Her current beau Barry, who she has no romantic
feelings for at all, offers marriage. Gen is desperate so
she accepts, even though she only believes in marriage for
love. When their plans are delayed, Barry suggest she move
into his friends' rental where she would share the upstairs
apartment with an unkempt, devilishly handsome doctor who is
in law school. Dexter Gray has one more semester before he
will be finished with law school, but he has encountered a
problem. Can Gen and Dexter come to a mutual agreement that
will benefit them both without their hearts getting
involved?
Save The Best For Last is an excellent read by
Bettye Griffin. The characters are very realistic and
relatable. You find yourself drawn to the characters and
rooting for their relationship to succeed. The plot was very
well developed. The storyline also flowed well, which made
for an easy read. I thoroughly enjoyed Save The
Best For Last.
Reviewed byTenecia for Urban-Reviews.com
4 out of 5 books
News journalist Liza Wilson has just about landed her dream
job. Her latest assignment pretty much guarantees her the
anchor news spot. This is what she has been working her entire
career for. But when she is placed on the traveling campaign
for the presidential candidate, Jonathan Davis, her career
plans are becoming a little foggy. John Davis is on a mission
to become the first black president of the United States.
Therefore, he does not have time for a relationship. Since his
wife died, he hadn't met a woman that he wanted to get serious
with. That all changed when Liza joined the traveling team of
reporters that was covering his campaign. However, even though
Liza finds John sexy and handsome, she has been married once
and doesn't plan on doing that again. Even if she did plan on
it, her and John were both two career driven people who
wouldn't jeopardize their careers. Or would they?
Campaign For Seduction combines current events with
romance. It gives you a glimpse into what behind the scenes of
a political campaign could be like. Christopher does a great
job of balancing the political and romance aspects of the
story. The characters were all well developed and the plot was
fresh and new. Overall, Campaign For Seduction was a
good read.
Reviewed by Tenecia
for Urban-Reviews.com
Ann Christopher Campaign For Seduction
3.5 out of 5 books
Pamela Yaye Games Of The Heart
Celebrity
manager Sage Collin has always been able to use her beauty and
common sense to get ahead in life. She knew how to use what
she had to get what she wanted. That is until she meets
handsome, ex military, single father Marshall Grant. Marshall
is a no nonsense type of guy. He is firm in his beliefs and he
believes that his son, high school basketball phenol, Khari
Grant, is going to Harvard to study pre-med. Khari doesn't
want to go to Harvard and Sage needs to sign him as a client
to get the promotion she has been working towards. So now she
has to use some of those skills that she has acquired in life.
Somewhere between the lies and deceit, Sage realizes that she
doesn't care as much about her career as she does about
Marshall and Khari. They become like the family she never has.
Now she has to prove to Marshal, on more than one occasion,
that she cares more about him and Khari than anything else.
Games of the Heart is a good read by Pamela Yaye.
Yaye does a good job with character development. Her writing
also flows well, so there were no lagging moments. I was a
little disappointed with the ending. I thought Games of the
Heart could have been developed a little more, but overall
the story was good.
Reviewed by Tenecia for
Urban-Reviews.com
4.5 out of 5 books
When Grace Foxfire reunites with her play brother, Jethro, she
is thrilled to see him again and anxious to reconnect.
Livingston, Jet's frat brother, is an added bonus. Grace and
Livingston instantly hit it off. Their relationship blossoms
quickly, but a tragedy puts a sudden end to their
relationship. Jet is there to pick up the pieces like he
always has been. However, this time there is more at stake.
Jet is ready to pursue the feelings that everyone but Grace
knows he has for her. The question is whether or not Grace is
willing to take a chance on love again.
When Lightning Strikes is an excellent book by
Michele Cameron. It is like a coming of age book without all
the years in between childhood to adulthood. The story flows
and has no lagging moments. Cameron does a wonderful job
developing the primary and secondary characters throughout the
novel. The plot development is excellent as well. When
Lightning Strikes is by far a great read!
Reviewed by
Tenecia for Urban-Reviews.com
Michele Cameron When Lightning Strikes
5 out of 5 books
Pat G'Orge-Walker Somebody's Sinning
In My Bed
Sisters Chyna and Janelle were very close to one another,
but they were complete opposites. Both were equally
beautiful, but Chyna was very conservative and saved.
Janelle was a outspoken free spirit that took risks that
Chyna would never dream of. When Chyna married Rev. Grayson
Young and became First Lady of New Hope, she was content
with how her life turned out. That was until her husband
passed away. Her life then became a world wind of despair,
and she didn't know if she was coming or going. Since Rev.
Young's passing, she didn't know what her place would be in
the church. Normally, if the Pastor of the church passes
away, the church becomes a lot of chaos with no direction in
mind. But in this case, it was the opposite. The elders
wanted the congregation to band together and keep the church
on track. Soon, Chyna realizes that not everything is the
way it seems.
With Chyna grieving her husband's sudden death, someone
from her sister's pass suddenly appears and all of the past
hurt has resurfaced. Not only that, the Pastor's Aide is
giving her grief and it is not pretty. They will learn that
you don't mess with a child of God. Sooner or later you will
suffer under God's wrath. While all this is going on, the
one person Chyna can confide in is Deacon Pillar. Deacon
Pillar is a true man of God and holds no punches. He will
tell it like it is, and if you don't like, oh well. Chyna
will find out that forgiving yourself can be one of the most
hardest things you could ever do. Will she be able to
forgive and let go?
In the novel Somebody's Sinning In My Bed, author
Pat G'Orge-Walker put together a book about happiness,
forgiveness, sadness, faithfulness, and the list could go on
and on. You are immediately taken in by each character and
how are the saints in the church are sinners that have not
gotten up, and don't intend too. The detail that the author
put into each character was just enough for you to
understand what they were going through when situations
would arise. I enjoyed reading this book, because you laugh,
cry, get mad, and you may even get a little deliverance for
yourself. Somebody's Sinning In My Bed is a very good
read, and I highly recommend it.
Notorious is part two to Playing Dirty and
continues the story of Yoshi, a once top notch attorney from
Miami who was on the run for murders she didn't commit. With
no place to hide and funds running low, Yoshi picks Norfolk,
Virginia to call home. Yoshi is used to designer brands and
a luxurious lifestyle. In Virginia, Yoshi must become
acquainted with her father's side of the family. The country
life is different than what Yoshi is used to, but she
maintains her cool to keep her identity under wraps. Yoshi
becomes the number one "IT" girl when she witnesses a brutal
murder by a drug dealer. Will Yoshi be able to change her
diva-like attitude and stand by her family when they need her,
or will she let her guards down and succumb to love?
Carmine, Yoshi's cousin, had a rough life. Her mother was
strung out on drugs and her baby sister was dealing with a
known drug dealer. Carmine still lived at a home with her
grandmother and hates her waitressing job at IHOP. When
Carmine's long lost cousin Yoshi comes to visit, Carmine wishes
that she could be everything that Yoshi is. Yoshi had a great
career, good looks, and expensive taste...at least that's what it appeared. With their relationship growing stronger everyday,
Carmine realizes their bond is stronger then ever when there
lives are in danger. Will Carmine stay by her cousin's side
when the times get rough? Or will Carmine see this as a meal
ticket and snitch on her cousin to cash in on the prize?
Notorious was a definite thrill seeker from the
beginning to end. Kiki Swinson showed the growth of Yoshi,
who once was a high class diva but eventually changed into
a humble, caring person. Yoshi gained a conscience and cared
about someone other then herself. Notorious showed
that no matter where you go, trouble can find you. What you
do with that trouble is the key. Yoshi turned a negative
situation into a positive one when she realized that she was
not alone in this world. Her family and loved ones showed
her that no matter what obstacles she had to conquer, they
would be standing by her side. I am eagerly awaiting the
follow up, Ms. Swinson. I know you will not disappoint.
Reviewed by
Kristin for Urban-Reviews.com
Kiki Swinson Notorious
3 out of 5 books
Janine A. Morris Drama 99 FM
Madison Cassell is the program director of Drama 99 FM, one
of the hottest radio stations in New York City. She finds
herself in a place she never thought she’d be...burned out by
the politics of the music industry, and the lackadaisical
attitude of her fiancé and her colleagues. Madison
impulsively lands in a politically incorrect position by way
of the up-and-coming rapper Johnny Polytics. Sereeta
McFarlane lands the ‘perfect’ job as assistant to NBA player
Corey Cox. She has a great salary and perks included in
her benefit plan, but the lack of respect exhibited toward
women by these multi-millionaire celebrities troubles her.
Naomi Mitchell enters the scene as a ‘Plain Jane’ that has
swan tendencies after she blossoms. While going through this
transformation, she betrays her childhood sweetheart in
search of the glitz and glamour that she encounters with the
new city, new job, and her new lifestyle.
Janine Morris introduces us to three divas in Drama 99
FM that are career oriented while still seeking mates
for love and marriage. The storyline’s flow faltered a bit
at the onset while the character development was being
established. The characters were mediocre, and the plot was
questionable for well over half of the book before it
finally began to shine through. Subplots were introduced,
but they weren’t really completed or elaborated to serve
any true purposes. Drama 99 FM had a bit of drama, but it
certainly didn’t live up to its’ title. The conclusion of
the storyline was a bit rushed, even though it was the best
part of the entire novel. You may be on top of the world
with the confidence of a giant, but the old saying still
stands true...what goes up, must come down. We encounter
issues of rape, domestic abuse, threats of violence,
psychotic behavior, lies, cruelty, and indifference as it
takes its toll on one’s self esteem. In the end, Drama 99
FM exhibited that no one is exempt from discrimination,
abuse, or bad situations.
Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye for Urban-Reviews.com
4.5 out of 5 books
Germani
has been trying to sweep her husband's obsession with pornography
under the rug, and pretend it does not exist. The more she
tries to deny it, the more it becomes a burden. When she
decides to take a look at herself and her faith in
Christ, she learns that her husband does not share her same
values, and this puts a tremendous strain on her marriage to
Scott. When Germani tries to get Scott to give up his fetish,
he completely ignores her request. As a result, Germani starts to question her marriage to Scott.
Scott and Germani soon discovered the differences between
them as her walk with God became stronger. Scott became more
and more distant. He told her that he could give up porn.
He soon realized that his desires consumed him, and it would be
difficult for him just to walk away. Their differences became
frustrating and just too hard to deal with. They sought advice from
almost everyone, except the one true source that would be able to
help them and their marriage. It will take almost a miracle to save
their marriage, but are they willingly to ask for the help they need
to save their marriage?
After The Feeling is a book about the realization of
a secret that plagues so many marriages. Even though this is a
Christian novel, there's so much reality to it. T.N. Williams
not only showed readers the characters' sadness and
frustration, but also what prayer can do when you are truly
sincere. This is one of those books that you just don't want
to put down. If you want a little deliverance, I would advise
you to pick up After The Feeling. You will not be
disappointed.
Reviewed by
Jackie for Urban-Reviews.com
T.N. Williams After The Feeling
3 out of 5 books
Erika Kendrick Appetite
What comes to mind when
you think of the word "appetite?" Maybe it's satisfying
your cravings and desires, or fulfilling a void that needs to
be filled.
Meet Kennedy Sun Lee, a budding actress on the hot soap
opera ANS-America's Next Sweetheart. Kennedy's 30th birthday
ends in a splashing way. Waking up with a strange man in her
bed is only the beginning. Hiding an eating disorder,
blackmail, sex, rumors, and paparazzi makeup Kennedy's life.
Things spiral from bad to worse when Kennedy meets the "man of
her dreams." What choice will Kennedy make to salvage her
reputation in the eyes of her peers and the paparazzi that's
tracking her every move? Will Kennedy take control of the
vices that have been controlling her life for so long?
Jesse James is the hot co-star on ANS who just happens to
end up in the bed with Kennedy. A spiral effect emerges when
Jesse James uses this opportunity to his advantage. With hopes
of a budding music career and expanding his horizons in the
television business. Will Jesse James cause an all out war on
the set of ANS or has Jesse James finally met his match?
Sam has it all...looks, charm, and being the executive
producer of ANS sweetens the deal. When the next up-and-coming starlet Kennedy arrives on set, sexual
tension and favoritism cause drama on the set. Sam and Kennedy
enter into a rollercoaster, without Sam mentioning one
important detail. Will Sam be able to conquer his career and
his love? Or will his indiscretions come to slap him in the
face?
Appetite enters the world known as Hollywood. Drug
use, groupies, and sex are not exempt in this novel. With most
novels, I cannot put the book down, but this was not the case
with Appetite. It was a hard read for me to follow; and
I had a hard time finishing the book. The storyline had it's
point in excitement, but there were some parts that I could
not get and grasp. I did enjoy how the author went into
Kennedy's past to show how she became the person she is and
why she made the choices she did. The choices that were made
left Kennedy with consequences that she had to face and handle to
move on with her life. Appetite was just hard for me to
get into.
Reviewed by Kristin for Urban-Reviews.com
4 out of 5 books
Tease by LaDawn Black is an interesting collection
of steamy short stories centered around personal ads that
men and women send in for the weekly "Hot Sheet" section of
the Tease newspaper. Destiny Brooks is the editor
of the "Hot Sheet" and is having her own relationship
problems. This book goes on to detail various personal ads
from different people. Some of the stand out stories are
the ones from Cassandra, Gloria, and Voorhies. Readers
will have fun wondering if these people will find what
they're looking for in these personal ads. Tease is
filled with saucy and humorous escapades that make for a
very quick and entertaining read.
Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for
Urban-Reviews.com
LaDawn Black Tease
4 out of 5 books
Andrew Oye Sin in Soul's Kitchen
Thaddeus Carmichael is a recently graduated with an
MBA and is ready to break out into the real world. He
was well groomed to join his father in the family
brokerage business, but Thaddeus has other ideas. When
he decides to go into business with a few of his
college buddies, this puts Thaddeus at odds with his
father and his girlfriend Chelsea. Chelsea has her
life all planned out with Thaddeus, but she will soon
find out that life will throw her a curve ball that
she didn't expect. Will Thaddeus and Chelsea's
relationship remain intact or will their separate
lifetimes goals tear them apart?
Sin in Soul's Kitchen is a thought-provoking
novel from Andrew Oye. Oye wrote an interesting tale
of betrayal, vengeance, and murder. What made this
story so interesting was the topic of class
and how it may affect one's destiny. You see the
transformation in Thaddeus as he finally decides to do
what he always wanted instead of what his girlfriend
and father wanted. Readers will see how some of the
lives of the characters turn into a dark downward
spiral. There are a lot of psychological elements in
this book that you will need to pay close attention
to. There's also a surprising cliffhanger that could
leave room for a sequel. Sin in Soul's Kitchen
is an entertaining psychological thriller from Andrew
Oye.
Janet Williams has a handsome, loving husband and a
beautiful daughter. She has friends that she can depend on
and a job that she likes. Life is pretty good! Her life is
so good that she even has a younger employee flirting with
her...harmlessly of course. But as the saying goes, "When it
rains, it pours." Several incidents that occur one after another
cause Janet's world to come crashing down. Eric, the
younger guy, is right their to pick up the pieces. Just
when Janet thinks her life may be getting back on track,
she is faced with yet another life-altering decision.
Spend My Life With You is a wonderful novel by
Christie Joh'nell. There are lots of twist and turns in
this novel, but Joh'nell does a great job of connecting
everything together. The characters are well developed,
the plot is very intriguing and attention-getting, and her
writing style flows. Spend My Life With You
is a good debut by Joh'nell.
BFF Kayla DeWitt and Taea Everett are a couple of hot
chicks loving their lives and their liberties. They have a
beautiful home that they share by choice, luxurious rides
and their own money. The only thing missing is a decent
man in Kayla's life, although Taea revels in the single
life. While dining at their favorite restaurant, they're
introduced and warned about two admirers that happen to be
very attractive.
Dezi 'Devastator' Gianni and Eric 'Dirty' Greene are a
pair of evil murderers that are the originators of a crew
called 'The Clique' that have been under investigation by
the FBI. The two killers quickly become enamored with the
two naïve young women and have staked their claim on them.
They mask their dangerous aliases with mind-blowing sex
and whispered sweet nothings while wreaking murderous
massacres.
A Deadly Encounter is a sordid novel of brutal,
torturous murders and obsessive love. The beginning of the
storyline was a tad slow but eventually it picked up its
pace. Ms. Bankston penned a very disturbing tale with
vivid scenes of death and persecution that haunt you long
after finish this book. Better character development would
add to the storyline. I also noted a few grammatical
errors, but I think A Deadly Encounter was a decent
read.
Starlett Ray has lived a charmed life being the wife of
Sheek Keyz, a popular NBA player for eight years. But now
that she's divorced, Starlett has started a new chapter in
her life by marrying a rap superstar named Vance
(a.k.a. Def Less). Starlett feels like she's finally found
the right man in Vince, but will the constant groupies be
his downfall? In the midst of all of this, Starlett decides to put
her journaling to good use by writing her own debut urban
fiction novel. Her book is based on her experiences as an NBA
wife. She strives to bring
something new to the genre, but she faces obstacles as she
dives into to the complex world of the publishing
business. Will Starlett Ray come out on top, or will she
succumb to the pressure of the book business?
Notorious is an innovative book by Venesha.
Venesha brings a different twist to an urban fiction novel.
This story gives the reader a unique behind-the-scenes
glimpse into the publishing industry. You will see how Starlett Ray gets her book published from start to finish.
You will also see the many roadblocks that she faces when
the book comes out. The publishing business aspect of this
book was so realistic that you'll wonder if Notorious is
fact or fiction. There's plenty of drama, sex, lies and
betrayal to keep readers on their toes.
Notorious is a thought-provoking and entertaining read.
Once again, Venesha has another winner on her hands.
3.5 out of 5 books